2003 was perhaps the best year of international squash for the United States in history. In a strange convergence of year with accomplishment, the annual highlights all happened in threes. The following are my picks from the past year…and please, as David Letterman used to say, no wagering.
1. A Golden Triple for Latasha
This was the year that Latasha Khan assured herself a place in the history books. She won the US Nationals for her fourth time, and she took gold medals in the Pan Am Games individual and team championships. That she won each of the titles by overcoming personal demons only accentuates her terrific season. In the National finals, Latasha put aside that she was playing her older sister, Shabana, and won in four. In both Pan Am finals, Latasha faced Melanie Jans of Canada. They had met more than a dozen times in the past, and Melanie had taken each encounter. How sweet to beat Jans two times in one week. With this amazing year, Latasha now has to start to be considered with Demer Holleran and Alicia McConnell as one of the all-time best women players in US history.
2. An Amazing Triple for Quick
Preston Quick has long been labeled a comer. Well, no more. In one incredible season, Preston came, arrived and conquered. In one two-week period, Preston became the first man in 27 years to win both the singles and doubles titles (his partner was five-time doubles champ Eric Vlcek). Both victories were unexpected. In the singles, he shocked the top two seeds (Damian Walker and Jamie Crombie) en route to the final. In the doubles semis and finals, he and Vlcek similarly caught off guard that tourney’s top two seeds. Preston’s biggest stunner, however, may have been at Pan Am Games individuals where he upset Argentina’s No. 1 player to take the bronze medal. Preston often wins by surprising his opponents with his determination and will; he won’t sneak up on anyone anymore, but don’t underestimate his desire—now that he has arrived, it will be hard to displace him.
3. Three More Gold Medallists
Latasha Khan did not win the gold medal in Pan Am Games team championships alone. Teammates Louisa Hall and Meredeth Quick and coach Sharon Bradey each played significant parts on and off the court. Aside from the numerous wins by the two teammates (none more dramatic than Quick coming from 2-0 down to win against Canada’s No. 3 woman in the finals), perhaps the most notable aspect of this team was the chemistry—they all liked each other and had fun. For Bradey, it was the culmination of six years as head coach, and she retired after the Games. For the others, it may be just the start of something truly special.
4. Palmer Adds to His Three Major Titles
With all the talk of the rivalry between Peter Nicol and Jonathon Power, it may come as a surprise that David Palmer’s November win in the British Open gave him his fourth win in three different Majors. He has won the US Open, the World Championship and the British (twice). Possessing perhaps the hardest drive on tour, Palmer’s touch and strategy continue to improve, making him perhaps the most feared player among opponents. Look for him to add more Majors to his trophy case.
5. Three North American Titles for Nicol
Peter Nicol, the perennial number one player in the world, took three titles in North America in one year in 2003: the Tournament of Champions, the US Open and the Canadian Open. Even more impressively, he defeated three different contenders in each of the finals: Thierry Lincou of France in the TOC, David Palmer in the US Open, and archrival Jon Power in the Canadian Open. Though Nicol does suffer the occasional upset, his every-night, all-out effort keeps him as the best player in the game as well as its best ambassador.
6. A Surprising Triple for Assaiante
It really was not a shock when Paul Assaiante coached the Trinity College men to another intercollegiate title. Perhaps it shouldn’t have been a surprise when he coached one of his former players, Preston Quick, to the first men’s medal in the Pan Am Games. But it caught everyone off guard when he won his first national title as a player. His unique triple this year included winning the 50+ division at the Nationals by beating longtime rivals Gordy Anderson, Chris Burrows and Tom Rumpler. Who says those who can’t, coach?
7. The Third USSRA Leader: Palmer Page
The USSRA took its time, but after a yearlong search, it named Palmer Page as its new CEO. Palmer is only the third head of the organization, following Darwin Kingsley and Craig Brand. A former intercollegiate champion for Penn, Palmer is a 30-year IBM veteran who looks to bring his love of the game and his extensive marketing, strategy and entrepreneurial experience to our organization.
2003 was also the year that we saw the retirement of two amazing World and British Open champions, Sarah Fitz-Gerald and Jansher Khan. Thank you both for all the memories.
See you next year.
